Marian University Model UN Conference "Failed States or Failed Systems? Protecting the Most Vulnerable"
Saturday, November 9, 2024

Marian University Evans Center

November 9^th, 2024

7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Student Registration

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The UNSC is charged with responding to an ever-growing crisis in Afghanistan as the international community watches the Taliban exert its dominance over the population. Recently, the Talabani government passed laws hindering basic human rights as democratic freedoms and principles have further eroded. Spillover effects caused by the refugee and economic crises are being felt throughout the tumultuous region as it navigates multiple national and regional conflicts. How can the UNSC navigate oversight of this region and protection of civilian lives while balancing national integrity with systemic stability? As more states continue to fail, is it time for the UNSC to consider significant structural changes to the international system? What efforts should be explored?

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

Today, after several decades of increased democratization throughout the world, many democracies appear to be backsliding as governments work to intentionally curb fundamental freedoms and essential rights, weaken checks and balances on power, and dismantling democratic oversight. Human rights and the electoral process are intimately linked as participation in public affairs is guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, this relationship is under attack. Disadvantaged groups, such as women, racial, ethnic and religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ people also experience heightened violence and discrimination when exercising their participatory rights. As elections become increasingly digitized, opportunities to spread misinformation and dissuade collective participation threaten to impact the integrity of government institutions and the respect for human rights.

The relationship between government and the people relies on mutual respect for human rights that are embedded in democratic principles. As democratic institutions continue to erode globally, elections remain a pivotal tool to respond to injustice. What actions should be adopted to maintain the integrity of elections and uphold the democratic principles that the international system is based on? Given the resurgence of autocracy, are we experiencing the restructuring of the international system, as well as the reimagining of human rights, institutional integrity and power? How best should the international community respond?

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF was established to help disadvantaged adolescents and children with health, vaccines, nutrition, and education acquisition, especially those in areas experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Despite the proven efficacy of vaccines, over 14.3 million children remain unvaccinated against disease. These “zero-dose children” account for over half of the deaths from preventable illnesses and typically reside in conflict zones. How can vaccination and healthcare rates be improved when considering the impact of the COVID pandemic and the spread of misinformation surrounding vaccines and healthcare? What measures should be implemented to improve access to essential services and resources? How can the international community best address the needs of the most vulnerable when resource scarcity and government ineffectiveness plague responsiveness?

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

International law defines refugee as a person who “owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is willing to avail [themself] of the protection of that country. Additionally, many refugees have found themselves to be stateless (“not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law”). Currently, there are approximately 43.4 million refugees and 4.5 million stateless people globally. As these populations continue to increase due to civil unrest, famine, environmental catastrophes, and government failure, the UNHCR must address its overall approach and responsiveness. Does UNHRC’s use of repatriation continue to be a viable option when considering the plight of populations such as the Rohingya in Bangladesh or Sudanese in Kenya? Delegates are encouraged to address this topic holistically and creatively as solutions will require multi-faceted and collaborative approaches that are sensitive to economic and political dynamics as well as social and cultural norms. What changes should be made to its approach to better address the needs of this population? Key to this response is determining where to begin.